Are there any descriptions of Rainsford's appearance in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Because Connell does not explicitly describe Sanger Rainsford, readers must construct their own ideas about how he looks.  He is obviously a wealthy man who is able to travel the world on hunting expeditions.  He is a New Yorker. He carries himself confidently, and aboard the yacht, he tells Whitney, "The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees." He knows how to relax and enjoy a good pipe, which is what he is doing just before he falls overboard.

When Rainsford hears the shots from Ship Trap Island, "he leaped upon the rail and balanced himself there" on the yacht; this tells us that he is athletic and agile. When he swims to the island, he does so with "strong strokes," and when he awakens on the beach, "he looked about him, almost cheerfully." He is intelligent, blessed with keen eyesight, and is mentally and physically strong.

When he meets Ivan, he offers "a smile which he hoped was disarming." This tells us that Rainsford possesses social intelligence and knows how to manipulate people.

There is another clue about Rainsford's physical look; Zaroff is described as a "slender man," and when he gives Rainsford his bespoke suit, it apparently fits him.  Readers can extrapolate that Zaroff and Rainsford are not only a match intellectually (though certainly not morally), they are a physical match, as well. However, in terms of facial features, namely, eye, skin, and hair color, Connell offers no clues.

What adjectives describe Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Sanger Rainsford is the protagonist in the short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." He goes from professional hunter to helpless huntee after a boating accident which leaves him stranded on the infamous Ship-Trap island. Here we see Rainsford's true colors shine in the fight for his life.

• Cocky: At the beginning of this tale, Rainsford could be described as cocky and somewhat selfish. He knows he is a skilled hunter and has no compassion for the animals he hunts. However, he quickly becomes humbled by Zaroff's proposal and learns what it feels like to become the helpless victim of the hunter.
• Courageous: It's not that Rainsford isn't scared; he simply doesn't let his fear get the best of him. No matter what is thrown at him—dark waters, murderous General, fight of his life—Rainsford doesn't back down from a challenge which also shows his competitive nature.
• Clever: Throughout the story, Rainsford shows he isn't just intelligent. He understands how to use his experience to help him succeed in the present. From swimming to shore in the darkened waters to setting up boobytraps in the hunt with General Zaroff, Rainsford outwits his surroundings and his predators by being resourceful.
• Strong: While it's clear Rainsford is mentally tough, his physical strength saves his life. His body gets him to shore twice, keeps him alive with minimal food, and helps him set traps and climbs trees to keep him safe.
• Adaptable: No matter what is thrown at him, Rainsford is able to adapt without a struggle. He thrives on his yacht the same way he thrives on the island. While two completely different situations, Rainsford can be considered a chameleon, changing his colors to suit whatever background he encounters.

What adjectives describe Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

When Rainsford first goes overboard, he does not panic because he is used to being in difficult situations. He is described as having a "coolheadedness" kick in.

Once he reaches the island, "determined" would be an appropriate description as he assesses his new surroundings. Throughout, as he navigates the various perils of the hunt, he is consistently "resourceful."

While the general is talking about game, Rainsford listens attentively. After he learns the truth, his attitude would be called "incredulous."

After he takes off into the bush, he applies himself to surviving. "Gritty" and "strategic" would apply in this regard. When he suspects the general is toying with him, he vows not to lose his nerve. He could be called "resolute."

As he manages to evade death and win the game, he is certainly "triumphant." And as he lords it over the defeated general, he is definitely "smug."

Does Rainsford's perspective on hunting change in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford’s perspective on hunting does shift when he becomes the hunted instead of the hunter.  At the beginning of the story, Rainsford is on a boat headed for Rio and a hunting trip up the Amazon River. He hopes to have a good hunt for jaguars.  Whitney, his friend and fellow hunter, comments that hunting is a great sport for the hunter, but not for the jaguar. Rainsford responds,

“Don’t talk rot, Whitney…..You’re a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how the jaguar feels.” (pg 1)

Whitney thinks maybe the jaguar cares how it feels.He thinks that they do understand one thing, fear.

“The fear of pain and the fear of death.” (pg 1)

Rainsford strongly disagrees.  He tells Whitney that the hot weather is making him soft.  He replies,

“The world is made up of two classes --- the hunters and the huntees.  Luckily, you and I are the hunters.” (pg 1)

When Rainsford meets Zaroff, he suddenly becomes the “huntee”. When Zaroff sends Rainsford out onto the island during their “game”, Rainsford becomes a series of animals.  First, he creates an intricate trail for Zaroff to follow recalling the, “dodges of the fox” (pg 7). When General Zaroff easily follows that trail, Rainsford tries to hide in a tree.

“Rainsford’s impulse was to hurl himself down like a panther.” (pg 8)

Zaroff smiles,and Rainsford realizes that the general is just playing with him,

“The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse.  Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror.” (pg 8)

Finally, when General Zaroff brings out his whole pack of dogs, Rainsford realizes how an animal feels when it is being hunted.

“The hounds raised their voices as they hit the fresh scent.  Rainsford knew now how an animal at bay feels.” (pg 9)

Rainsford continues to refer to himself as an animal even after General Zaroff tells him he has won the game. 

“I am still a beast at bay…” (pg 9)

Rainsford has changed his opinion.  He now knows how an animal feels when it is being hunted. 

My copy of the story is from the internet so the page numbers may not coincide with your copy.  

What does Rainsford look like in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

"The Most Dangerous Game," also known by its alternative title "The Hounds of Zaroff," is a suspenseful short story by Richard Connell. It was originally published in Collier's, an old American magazine, in the year 1924. 

Author Richard Connell claims to have been inspired by the popularity of safaris and game hunting within that time period, specifically in Africa and South America. The story takes place on an island in the Caribbean, when famous game hunter Sanger Rainsford falls from his boat and washes ashore only to become a pawn in a disturbing game.

He discovers a large home inhabited by the General Zaroff and his gigantic servant, Ivan. Zaroff reveals himself to also be a prolific hunter, and the two bond for a short period of time before Rainsford begins to notice the unsettling tone he receives from he General. He learns that Zaroff has hunted all of the major game in the world, so he created a new "game" to play. He takes humans and releases them on the island so that he can hunt them. Since humans have skill and tact, they are more worthy competitors of a skilled hunter such as Zaroff. Rainsford is horrified to learn that the General wants to hunt him as well. Through a series of challenging outdoor situations, Rainsford manages to outwit the General Zaroff and kill his servant, Ivan.

We can infer many things about Rainsford from his ability to escape from Zaroff on multiple occasions, and from the details he shares with the reader. Rainsford has excellent eyesight because he is able to see the outline of the island in the dead of night. He also has considerable strength and stamina, which we can assume by his ability to climb trees, set traps, and swim both to the island and after he escapes from Zaroff after killing Ivan.

Rainsford, as a skilled hunter, must be both quick, have excellent focus and eyesight, and be able to escape dangerous situations. It is no wonder that he is the competitor who is finally able to outsmart General Zaroff.

What does Rainsford look like in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford is a talented hunter, partly because of his physical characteristics.  First of all, he has “good eyes” and can see the island from far away, in the dark.  Having good eyesight would be very beneficial to a hunter, and so would good night vision.  It also helps him survive the game.

Rainsford is also quick, and when he hears the gunshot from the island he springs up quickly.

He leaped upon the rail and balanced himself there, to get greater elevation; his pipe, striking a rope, was knocked from his mouth. He lunged for it; a short, hoarse cry came from his lips as he realized he had reached too far and had lost his balance.

He shows great dexterity, but also clumsiness.  This is how he ends up on the island.

Rainsford is also physically strong.  He is a good swimmer, and has good stamina.

Rainsford remembered the shots. They had come from the right, and doggedly he swam in that direction, swimming with slow, deliberate strokes, conserving his strength. For a seemingly endless time he fought the sea.

During the hunt, Rainsford shows cunning and physical strength, running, climbing trees and staying ahead.  He also swims again.  Clearly, Rainsford is fit and physically strong.

Why is Rainsford considered a dynamic character in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

In literature, a dynamic character is a person, typically the protagonist, who undergoes a substantial internal change as the plot develops. Throughout the short story "The Most Dangerous Game," Rainsford gains perspective on the sport of hunting after undergoing an arduous experience fleeing General Zaroff on Ship-Trap Island. At the beginning of the story, Rainsford is a relatively comfortable and narrow-minded hunter, who does not have empathy for the animals he routinely hunts. Rainsford tells Whitney, "Who cares how a jaguar feels?" Rainsford again voices his opinion on hunting by telling Whitney,

"The world is made up of two classes-- the hunters and the huntees."

After Rainsford arrives on Ship-Trap Island, he is introduced to the maniacal General Zaroff, who explains to Rainsford how he hunts humans on the island. Rainsford is then forced to participate in the life-and-death "game," and traverses the island in an attempt to avoid the armed General Zaroff for three days. During the three days, Rainsford hides in trees, builds traps, runs through the forest, and even swims in the ocean to survive, and outwit Zaroff. Rainsford gains firsthand experience being the prey, which allows him to sympathize with the animals he once hunted. At the end of the story, Rainsford surprises Zaroff in his room and refers to himself as a "beast at bay." This comment illustrates the dramatic change in Rainsford's perspective and outlook on life. Rainsford is considered a dynamic character because of his life-changing experience and internal development regarding his views on hunting.

Why is Rainsford considered a dynamic character in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

He is a dynamic character because he is able to change and adapt as the situation changes. At first, he is a hunter-- then he becomes the hunted. Lastly, he defeats the hunter and the possibility is left open that he himself could take the place of Zaroff. His ability to think and act makes him dynamic, and the fact that his actions change based on the situation makes him highly dynamic.

How does Rainsford end up on the island in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

At the beginning of the short story, Rainsford is sitting on the top deck of the yacht alongside Whitney as the two hunters sail to the Amazon, where they plan to hunt jaguars. After Whitney goes to bed below deck, Rainsford stays awake and smokes his pipe on the top deck. Suddenly, Rainsford hears the sound of gunshots coming from the direction of the nearby island. Rainsford immediately springs from his seat and stands on the rail looking out into the darkness. While Rainsford is balancing on the rail, his pipe accidentally hits a rope and is knocked out of his mouth. Rainford then reaches for his pipe, loses his balance, and falls into the dark Caribbean Sea.

After falling into the water, Rainsford yells at the top of his lungs for someone to come to his aid but the yacht continues to sail away. He then remembers that the sound of the gunshots came from the right and begins to swim in that direction. After a "seemingly endless time," Rainsford reaches the rocky, jagged coast of the island and climbs the massive boulders onto dry land, where he immediately collapses at the edge of the dense jungle.

In "The Most Dangerous Game," do you think Rainsford's attitude towards hunting changes through the story? Explain.

I'm not so sure that Sanger Rainsford's love of hunting animals changed a great deal during the James Connell short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." Rainsford certainly comes to understand what it feels like to be hunted after his ordeal with General Zaroff. However, Rainsford seems more repulsed at Zaroff's idea of the ultimate hunt--stalking humans--than he does with hunting animals. The idea of hunting humans was sickening to Rainsford from the start, although he certainly used his repertoire of tricks to try and entrap Zaroff. At the end, when he settles into the wonderful bed and the well-earned sleep, he seems satisfied at the revenge that he has dealt the Russian. No doubt the human kill would not have tempted him to continue such "entertainment." Nor will he give up his quest for big game animals.

In the end of "The Most Dangerous Game," do you think Rainsford changes his mind about hunting?

One of the ironies of Connell's famous story is that in the exposition of "The Most Dangerous Game," Rainsford and his friend Whitney, who are on the ship in the Caribbean night, argue about the prey that they will soon hunt. Whitney contends that the jaguar possesses an understanding of pain and fear; Rainsford disagrees,

"Nonsense....This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters."

Rainsford has also remarked, "Who cares how a jaguar feels?" But, after his harrowing experience as a "beast at bay" as he calls himself when he and the general come vis-à-vis in the Zaroff's bedroom, Rainsford has probably changed his attitude about hunting. While he yet prefers to be the hunter--he revels in his victory as he sleeps in Zaroff's bed, having defeated this predator--surely, Rainsford must now consider the feelings of his prey since since having had this experience himself. It is, therefore, most likely that before he shoots whatever he hunts in the future, he may pause for a split second and recall the gripping fear of the "beast at bay" that he himself has known. 

In the end of "The Most Dangerous Game," do you think Rainsford changes his mind about hunting?

No.  I do not think that the ordeal with Zaroff changes Rainsford's mind about hunting.  I think he still enjoys hunting.  I think he still is fairly cold.  And I still think he finds hunting humans distasteful.  

Rainsford is a world renowned hunter.  I don't think his ordeal changes anything, especially knowing that he slept quite soundly after killing Zaroff.  Early in the story the reader is introduced to the fact that Rainsford is good at hunting and has little sympathy for his prey.  

“…We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting."

Rainsford: "The best sport in the world."

"For the hunter," amended Whitney. "Not for the jaguar."

[…]

"Bah! They've no understanding."

"Even so, I rather think they understand one thing--fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death." 

Rainsford doesn't even believe that the animals he hunts have fear.  They have no understanding of what is happening.  I think Zaroff feels the same way, which is why he enjoys hunting the only animal that can reason -- humans.  Rainsford is appalled and intrigued all at the same time, but ultimately doesn't agree to hunt a human.  The downside of that decision is that he becomes the hunted.  

I've read an analysis or two that say Rainsford enjoyed killing Zaroff and is likely to begin and enjoy hunting humans too.  Basically Rainsford will continue Zaroff's sadistic tendencies, and that's why Rainsford slept so well.  I disagree.  I think Rainsford slept so well because he knew that his life was no longer in danger.  He killed Zaroff out of self defense, and he can now finally relax after his three days of not doing much sleeping.  It's even conceivably possible that Rainsford has become even more immune to any feelings that his prey might have and that's why he slept great.   It's my guess that he goes back to hunting with an even cooler/colder attitude toward his prey than before.  

Why does Rainsford agree to become "the hunted" in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford is repulsed when Zaroff discloses that the prey of his new game is the human kind. He demands a way off the island immediately, but Zaroff merely provides him with a soft bed and silk pajamas for the night. The next day, after a disappointing night of hunting by Zaroff, Rainsford finds that the Cossack has other plans--plans to hunt Rainsford as his prey. Rainsford vehemently refuses to join Zaroff's next hunt, but Zaroff reminds him of the alternative, one which they have already discussed.

     "Suppose he refuses to be hunted?"
     "Oh," said the general, "I give him his option, of course. He need not play that game if he doesn't wish to. If he does not wish to hunt, I turn him over to Ivan... and he has his own ideas of sport. Invariably, Mr. Rainsford, invariably they choose the hunt."

Rainsford tells Zaroff that he will "agree to nothing of the kind," but the Russian nonchalantly responds,

"As you wish, my friend... The choice rests entirely with you. But may I suggest that you will find my idea of sport more diverting than Ivan's?"

Rainsford realizes that he has little choice but to begrudgingly accept Zaroff's challenge of the hunt. Should Rainsford refuse to play Zaroff's new game, he will be turned over to Ivan, who will probably torture him before feeding him to the dogs. With that thought in mind, Rainsford's competitive spirit wins out, and he chooses to accept Zaroff's game. At least with Zaroff's game, Rainsford is promised--on Zaroff's "word as a gentleman and a sportsman"--his freedom should he win.

Why does Rainsford agree to become "the hunted" in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

General Zaroff is excited about Rainsford's being on his island because he has become jaded and finds no challenge in the "prey" he has been hunting. Now, he expects Rainsford to offer him excitement and challenge both.

When General Zaroff welcomes Rainsford it is with enthusiasm and praise:

"It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home...
I've read ;your book about hunting snow leopards in Tibet, you see...."

As they dine, Zaroff explains to Rainsford that he lives for the hunt and for danger. Further, the general remarks that he has hunted almost every kind of game there is and has become satiated with hunting animals. So, now he has invented "a new sensation," he tells Rainsford, who is appalled when he learns the meaning of Zaroff's phrase, "the most dangerous game."

Therefore, with Rainsford as his "dangerous game" to hunt, Zaroff is thrilled since such an expert hunter as Rainsford himself will offer new and exciting challenges to him. In fact, this love of the challenge becomes Zaroff's undoing as he allows Rainsford to live another day after he has trailed this new prey to a tree.

The general was saving him for another day's sport. The general was the cat; he was the mouse.

And, just as many a cat has done in its deadly play with a mouse, the mouse escapes. For, it is Rainsford who ends up the victor of the dangerous hunt.

Was Rainsford in the army in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

General Zaroff was in the army, but so was Rainsford.

Zaroff is fully aware that Rainsford was in the army.  Almost every man his age would have fought in World War I.  When Zaroff is explaining his views on the acceptable nature of killing whatever men he feels inferior, he seems to think that Rainsford having been a soldier would make him agree with his views.

He regarded Rainsford quizzically. "I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harbors romantic ideas about the value of human life. Surely your experiences in the war--"

"Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder," finished Rainsford stiffly.

Rainsford became an experienced hunter, and even wrote books on the subject.  This is one of the reasons that Zaroff knows so much about him.  He respects Rainsford’s abilities.  He knows that between his service in the war and his hunting skills he will be a very good competitor.  Zaroff can’t wait to hunt him.

During the hunt, Rainsford does use his war experience to aid him in evading Zaroff.  The combination of hunting skills and war experience indeed makes him a formidable foe.

Rainsford had dug himself in in France when a second's delay meant death. That had been a placid pastime compared to his digging now. The pit grew deeper; when it was above his shoulders, he climbed out and from some hard saplings cut stakes and sharpened them to a fine point.

Zaroff’s experience in the army was likely different than Rainsford’s.  Rainsford was clearly in the thick of it.  Zaroff, on the other hand, joined the Russian army as an officer because that was what was expected of a wealthy young man.

“…I went into the army--it was expected of noblemen's sons--and for a time commanded a division of Cossack cavalry, but my real interest was always the hunt. I have hunted every kind of game in every land. It would be impossible for me to tell you how many animals I have killed."

Zaroff considers his entire life one long hunt.  To him, the fact that he ended up on the wrong side of the Russian “debacle” known as the Russian Revolution meant little.  He just went off to create his own little island kill zone.  Clearly he had plenty of money left.

Aside from adaptability, how else is Rainsford a dynamic character in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

One aspect to be considered in Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" might be that Rainsford doesn't just change his mind or personal philosophy about whether animals feel fear while being hunted or not. Rather, consider the possibility that Rainsford's mind turns into thinking like a hunted animal--as though he literally stops thinking like a human by the end of the story. For example, when Rainsford says, "I'm still a beast at bay," he could be expressing the fact that he doesn't just sympathize with animals who are hunted, but he empathizes with them on a highly personal level. Is it possible that the traumatic experience of being hunted for three days could change Rainsford's mind--his whole system of thinking in his brain--into making him believe that he is an animal? If so, then a cornered animal will attack its predator out of instinct and a sense of survival. An animal would not think about the laws of men or the moral dilemma regarding murder or not. A beast at bay has no moral obligation to the legal, social, or moral laws of men. Therefore, when Rainsford kills Zaroff, he has changed from thinking like a human to thinking like an animal, and that certainly is a dynamic change. As a result, to Rainsford, he is not a human killing another human; instead, he is an animal killing its hunter. 

Aside from adaptability, how else is Rainsford a dynamic character in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The definition of a dynamic character is one who undergoes changes in his personality or attitude. By the end of the story, Rainsford is truly a changed man. Where he earlier believed that animals felt no fear or pain and had no understanding, Rainsford soon came to realize that the hunted do experience the terror of being hunted. Revenge did not seem to be an important aspect to him before becoming the subject of Zaroff's dangerous game, but when he returned and encountered Zaroff in his bedroom, he soon resumed the hunt--this time with Zaroff as the prey. Rainsford compromises his own sense of honor by continuing the game, and he even seems to enjoy his new human prey, resting contentedly in Zaroff's own comfortable bed after killing the Russian. Another change may also have overcome Rainsford: He may have decided that hunting humans was not such a bad idea after all.

How old is Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The answer to your question is "the book doesn't say."  That is a very unsatisfying answer, isn't it?  There are ways around it, though.  The text implies certain things about Rainsford, and from them we can arrive at what is probably a good guess at the man's age.

Most telling is when the General says: "Dear me, what a righteous young man you are!"  So what does this mean?  Well, according to Rainsford, the General is "past middle age, for his hair was a vivid white..."  So the question here is "what would the General consider 'young?'  During the time frame of the story, I would suppose that middle age came a little earlier than it does today, probably in the early to mid 40's (unlike the later forties, early fifties we might think of today.)  He has white hair, but is still fit enough for physical activity, so I would guess the General is somewhere in his 50's.

By that standard, I would guess that "young man" would refer to someone in their 20's or 30's (maybe early 40's.)  I favor 30's, personally.  Rainsford is reported to be a great hunter of some renown.  This would be unlikely for someone to achieve in their 20's.  In addition, the General mentions the books that Rainsford has written on the subject.  This implies a more mature, experienced mind.  And while I know that a man in his 40's that is in good shape can still be very athletic, the amount of swimming and running that Rainsford does implies someone has a lot of stamina.  I'm not saying that someone in their 40's wouldn't have that, just that someone in their 30's more likely would.

So that's my guess: mid thirties.

How would you indirectly characterize Rainsford from "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The author uses indirect characterization to show that Rainsford is egotistical, principled, and highly skilled.

There are two types of characterization: direct and indirect characterization. With direct characterization, the author or narrator tells you what the character is like specifically and directly. With indirect characterization, we learn about the character indirectly through his actions, and what others say about him.

When you write an essay, you have to begin with a strong thesis statement.  A thesis is a simple, clear, direct statement in which you specifically address the prompt.  In this case, your thesis statement needs to explain what character traits Rainsford has indirectly characterized with in one clear succinct list.

Here is an example thesis statement:

In “The Most Dangerous Game” Connell uses indirect characterization to show that Rainsford is egotistical, principled, and highly skilled.

One way that Rainsford is indirectly characterized is through the conversation he has with Whitney at the beginning on the yacht.  The discussion about the animals shows that he has no regard for their welfare.  He is self-centered and egotistical.

"The best sport in the world," agreed Rainsford.

"For the hunter," amended Whitney. "Not for the jaguar."

"Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. "You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?"

Rainsford only cares for his abilities as a hunter.  He is not interested in how animals feel.  The writer does not tell us directly that Rainsford is egotistical, but the conversation is a way of showing us it.  He will get a lesson in how the animal feels on a hunt later on that might give him a lesson in humility.

Next, Rainsford is indirectly characterized as principled through his conversations with Zaroff.  This is a man who is basically evil.  He traps men on his island, hunts them for fun, and kills them with no mercy or conscience.  Rainsford is horrified when he finds out. 

"One does not expect nowadays to find a young man of the educated class … with such a naive, and, if I may say so, mid-Victorian point of view. … I'll wager you'll forget your notions when you go hunting with me. You've a genuine new thrill in store for you, Mr. Rainsford.

Some men might have gone along with Zaroff and thought that hunting people was fun.  Rainsford is not one of them.  Zaroff even suggests than he might.  However, he does not.  He continues to believe that hunting men is wrong, and refuses to hunt with Zaroff. 

However, after he becomes the prey he does kill Zaroff.  He seems to feel no conscience when he kills him, making only a comment about sleeping in the bed.  This little bit of indirect characterization does not mean that he turned unprincipled, it just mean that he is complicated and the affair changed him.

Finally, Rainsford is highly skilled.  We learn this from watching all of the traps he lays for Zaroff during the game.  Even Zaroff is impressed with how time and time again he can come up with more and more clever tricks.

"You've done well, Rainsford," the voice of the general called. "Your Burmese tiger pit has claimed one of my best dogs. Again you score. I think, Mr. Rainsford, I’ll see what you can do against my whole pack….”

Unfortunately for Rainsford, Zaroff seems familiar with most of his tricks.  They fail to kill Zaroff.  One of them does kill Ivan though, a knife tied to a sapling that snaps back and shoots at him.  This makes Zaroff more vulnerable.  Each of these incidents is indirect characterization, showing us how clever Rainsford is and how he reacts to danger, as well as what skills he has.

Indirect characterization is useful for authors in letting us know about characters without telling us outright.  Authors use a mix of direct and indirect characterization to fully develop their character and create well-rounded characters that readers can really picture.

Is Rainsford a hero in "The Most Dangerous Game?" Explain.

In addition, here is another consideration:

• When Rainsford comes from behind the curtain and talks to Zaroff, Zaroff concedes and says to Rainsford,"You have won the game," so if Rainsford were truly noble, he would accept this concession and not duel Zaroff.

(However, the fact that he does not just step out from the curtains and murder Zaroff immediately does indicate integrity and noble virtue on Rainsford's part. Yet, he does duel Zaroff and kill him, leaving some ambiguity about his "heroic character.")

Is Rainsford a hero in "The Most Dangerous Game?" Explain.

As a counterargument, Sanger Rainsford is certainly brave, but not heroic since he exhibits no noble qualities.

• That he is not noble in heart becomes apparent in the exposition of Connell's narrative when Rainsford dismisses Whitney's sympathy for the prey by saying, "Who cares how a jaguar feels?" Further, as Whitney sympathizes with the fear that the hunted jaguar feels, Rainsford dismisses this understanding:

"Nonsense...This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees."

• Rainsford's Darwinian concept of the strong vs. the weak is anything but altruistic. In the end, he does not save anyone but himself, which is a survival skill; he commits no noble deeds; for, he exhibits no charity toward Zaroff when he confronts him in the chateau at the end, and he risks his life for no one.
• Nor does he exhibit any high morals. If he were a man of very high morals, he would have tried to survive the third day at the end of which General Zaroff, as an officer and Russian nobleman, would have honored his pledge of setting his prey free: "If my quarry eludes me for three whole days, he wins the game." Instead, he takes the aggressive position ("I am still a beast at bay" he tells Zaroff before drawing his sword and changing positions) and becomes the predator, killing Zaroff, defying his earlier words of decrying murder as "cold-blooded," now enjoying his slaughter as he decides "He had never slept in a better bed."

Is Rainsford a hero in "The Most Dangerous Game?" Explain.

A "hero" is defined as...

...a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.

With regard to this definition, "noble" is defined as...

…of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence.

In other words, noble qualities are honorable qualities.

From a literary standpoint, Ernest Hemingway described a hero as...

...a man who lives correctly, following the ideals of honor, courage and endurance in a world that is sometimes chaotic, often stressful, and always painful.

Indeed, Sanger Rainsford has all of the qualities of a hero. The reader soon discovers Rainsford is in a stressful, chaotic and painful world when he is stranded on the uncharted "Ship-Trap Island."

Upon first meeting Zaroff, Rainsford believes he is in the company of a man of sophistication and male prowess: a mighty hunter in his own right. And General Zaroff is quite aware of what an accomplished hunter Rainsford is. However, before long Zaroff exposes his true character, suggesting that he and Rainsford take part in hunting "the most dangerous game"—human beings. Rainsford is appalled at the idea.

Hunting? Good God, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder.

This is a clear indication of Rainsford's heroic character: he has high moral standards. He refuses Zaroff's suggestion outright.

[I do not] condone cold-blooded murder…I'm a hunter, not a murderer.

When Zaroff decides to hunt Rainsford because the younger man refuses to comply with the Cossack, we see other heroic characteristics: distinguished courage or ability. There is little doubt from the start of the hunt that Rainsford is a man with skills that cannot be ignored. When he knows he is to be hunted, he does not cower or beg for his life. Overcoming an initial sense of panic—for the situation is not only chaotic but insane—Rainsford starts to plan how he will evade Zaroff by leaving a trail so confused that Zaroff (he hopes) cannot follow.

Then Rainsford almost crushes the general with a trap. Even Zaroff is impressed.

Not many men know how to make a Malay man-catcher…You are proving interesting...

As he runs for his life, Rainsford shows his courage. Bravery is not be without fear, but to face fear and continue on.

I will not lose my nerve. I will not.

Rainsford exhibits almost superhuman endurance as he continues to crash through the jungle, fighting for his life.

Finally, as Zaroff relaxes, believing that Rainsford has met his death at the cliff, the young hunter demonstrates his excellent ability to throw the hunter off his path, showing up in the general's bedroom. The general expresses his surprise upon seeing him:

"Rainsford!" screamed the general. "How in God's name did you get here?"

"Swam," said Rainsford. "I found it quicker than walking through the jungle."

Rainsford displays many heroic characteristics: he has courage and ability; he is of excellent moral character; and, he follows the ideals of courage, honor and endurance. 

How does Rainsford come to ship-trap island?

Rainsford is on his way to Rio to hunt jaguars in the Amazon. Whitney, one of the crew, and Rainsford decide to have a discussion on hunting. Whitney explains that they are approaching "Ship-Trap Island" and that sailors are very afraid and feel a cold chill run through their veins when in its midst.   Whitney decides to turn in for the night and Rainsford decides to stay up and smoke another pipe.  

Rainsford hears the sound of a gunshot 3 times. Springing onto the rail of the boat, he tries to see if he can see anything.  As he balances himself a rope knocks his pipe out of his mouth and, leaning to reach it, he bends over too far and falls in the water.

It becomes a matter of life and death and he has to keep a straight head if he is to survive.  He hears a cry of someone or something, but at least it gave him a direction to go.  After swimming a great distance, he finally hears the familiar sound of waves rushing and crashing on the rocks. 

With the small amount of energy he had left, he pulled himself onto the rocks and collapsed.  Upon waking in the afternoon, he wandered along the shore trying to find some sign of life, but all he found was what seemed to be the blood of the wounded cry he had heard from the distance.  He kept going knowing that this was evidence of some type of life and he came upon General  Zaroff's chateau.

Why is Zaroff glad that it is Rainsford who has come to the island in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Zaroff is glad that it is Rainsford who has come to the island because he knows that Rainsford is a "celebrated hunter".  Zaroff has read Rainsford's famous book "about hunting snow leopards in Tibet", and so is familiar with the author's expertise in the field.  Zaroff recognizes that, with his knowledge and experience, Rainsford would be a formidable opponent in his sinister game.  He looks forward with intense anticipation to test his wits against such a worthy foe.

Zaroff is such an accomplished hunter that he has become bored with the sport.  He has hunted every animal known to man, and has won every time.  In his search for an adversary which would provide him with more of a challenge in the hunt, Zaroff has come up with the macabre idea to hunt the only creature who, because it possesses the benefit of reasoning ability, has the potential to make the hunt more interesting to him - man himself.  Zaroff, who has been capturing anonymous sailors and using them as prey, is becoming bored with even them, however, as he has found that "they have dull brains to begin with, and...do excessively stupid and obvious things" as they try to escape the hunter.  Since Rainsford is world reknowned for his expertise in the sport, Zaroff knows he will provide a definite challenge for him as the hunted, and is looking forward to a stimulating and interesting chase.

What type of character is Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

In terms of characterization, Rainsford is a dynamic character since he changes during the narrative.  For, in the exposition during his talk with Whitney, he is a man convinced of his opinions, giving no credence to the viewpoints of his friend.   First, when Whitney suggests  that the hunted animal understands fear, "the fear of pain and the fear of death," Rainsford answers, "Bah! They've no understanding."  Then, when Whitney suggests that there may be something ominous out at sea, Rainsford discounts the "sudden dread" of the old Swede and Whitney:  "Pure imagination."

Later, after he is captured and dining with General Zaroff, Rainsford is appalled when Zaroff suggests the excitement of hunting other men.  The general hints that Rainsford may have done just this:  "Surely your experiences in the war--"  but Rainsford "stiffly" cuts the general off, saying he did not condone "cold-blooded murder."

Further in the plot, Rainsford changes because he attains the "understanding of fear and death" as he himself becomes prey for Zaroff.  Then, too, he certainly feels the "certain dread" which he has earlier discounted.  And, finally, he acts in the manner that he has earlier condemned.  He confronts Zaroff as "an animal at bay" and fights for his life against another man.  When the author writes, "He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided," the reader must conclude that Rainsford has killed Zaroff "in cold blood" or he would not be alive.  Thus, the resolution of the conflict finds Rainsford a different man from what he is at the beginning.

What type of character is Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

It is hard to take "The Most Dangerous Game" terribly seriously. General Zaroff is a stereotypical adventure-story villain, and Rainsford is a stereotypical adventure-story hero, the kind of man that boys admire and would like to be. Rainsford is a man of action, strong, silent, handsome, athletic, poised, sophisticated, unflappable. The line that seems to characterize him best is: "...it was not the first time he had been in a tight place." He could hardly find himself in any tighter place than he is in "The Most Dangerous Game." He has to swim through an ocean infested with man-eating sharks in order to get to an island where the owner hunts humans for sport. This is about as fantastical as Jurassic Park, where the eccentric scientist, who has money to burn, is raising dinosaurs to stock an amusement park. Rainsford may or may not be an American citizen, but he seems patterned after the older British strong-silent heroes of authors like H. Ryder Haggard, or like James Bond as played by Sean Connery. I don't think we ever feel that he is ever in real danger or that he won't come out on top.

In "The Most Dangerous Game," what is Rainsford's hunting experience?

Rainsford is described as a very experienced big-game hunter. He has traveled the world and hunted most of the big-game prey allowed by legal restrictions (the story was written in 1924, when hunting was a more accepted sport). He has also written a bestselling book on his experiences and his knowledge of hunting, which the antagonist, General Zaroff, has read.

"I'll give him a trail to follow," muttered Rainsford, and he struck off from the rude path he had been following into the trackless wilderness. He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox.
(Connell, "The Most Dangerous Game," fiction.eserver.org)

Rainsford is in this respect the opposite of Zaroff; his hunting experience has not left him bored with animals, but instead respectful of their instincts and drive to survive. His knowledge of hunting allows him to put up a better fight against Zaroff than other people, but Zaroff still manages to track him down and lets him go to prelong the hunt. Rainsford also understands the mind of a "Beast at bay," and flings himself in to the ocean instead of facing Zaroff and his dogs.

How does Rainsford arrive at the mysterious island in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

There is an air of mystery about a nearby island as Rainsford's yacht sails past it in "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell. The captain of the vessel, Whitney, explains that this island is referred to by sailors as Ship-Trap Island and, though they are naturally a suspicious bunch, even the sailors are afraid of it.

Rainsford does not at first buy into the mystique of the island shrouded in darkness, but soon even he feels something. Whitney says:

"This place has an evil name among seafaring men, sir." Then he said to me, very gravely, "Don't you feel anything?"--as if the air about us was actually poisonous. Now, you mustn't laugh when I tell you this--I did feel something like a sudden chill.

Before he goes to bed for the night, Rainsford relaxes and smokes his pipe in a deck chair until he hears a sharp crack. He is a hunter and he knows the sound well; it is the sound of a gunshot. Rainsford immediately goes to the railing of the ship and peers out into the darkness of the island. He stands on the rail in an attempt to get a better view of things, but his pipe hits a rope and falls out into the water. In an attempt to catch his pipe, Rainsford reaches over too far and finds himself in the "blood-warm waters of the Caribbean Sea."

Of course the first thing he tries is to get back to the yacht, but it is moving too quickly. Now he really has no choice but to swim toward Ship-Trap Island. It is an exhausting swim and he does not think he will make it to shore when he gets closer to the island and is faced with jagged rocks. Eventually he is able to reach land.

With his remaining strength he dragged himself from the swirling waters. Jagged crags appeared to jut up into the opaqueness; he forced himself upward, hand over hand. Gasping, his hands raw, he reached a flat place at the top.

This was a harrowing swim, but it will soon seem quite harmless compared to what he must face. This all happens because he was trying to retrieve his pipe when it was knocked out of his mouth by a rope.

Consider the excellent eNotes sites linked below for more insights and analysis about this famous short story.

By the end of the story, "The Most Dangerous Game," does Rainsford change his mind about hunting?

"The Most Dangerous Game" is an example of the slick, commercial short fiction that used to be published in magazines but has pretty much gone out of fashion because the people who read such escapist fiction now spend their leisure time watching television or playing video games instead. Editors of the magazines that published adventure-escapist stories had one rule in common. They thought that the major character should change as the result of his harrowing experiences. If he didn't change, then the experience couldn't have been very important or very hazardous. So commercial writers would take care to establish that the viewpoint character had changed by the end of the story, even though he might not appear to be much different to the reader. Sometimes the writer would even wind up with dialogue such as this:

"You've changed."

"Have I? Yes, you're right. I guess I have."

Is it really true that a person's character would be changed if he or she went through a really traumatic experience?

"The Most Dangerous Game" is just a superior work of slick fiction. It was published in onw the better class magazines which paid more money. They were printed on "slick" paper, as opposed to the "pulp magazines" which were printed on cheap paper and paid as little as one cent a word, whereas the "slicks" would pay around ten cents a word, and more to authors whose names had value in selling copies of the magazines. Most of the slick magazines that published short fiction have gone out of business or else converted to articles. Most of the pulp magazines have disappeared. There used to be whole rows of pulp magazines at drug stores, grocery stores, and news stands. There were westerns, mysteries, romances, true detectives, science-ficition, and others. Television changed all that. "The Most Dangerous Game" would definitely hCW gone to a slick magazine because of the good quality of the writing and the intriguing idea, but it is not serious literature. Readers identify with the hero because they keep wondering what they would do themselves if they were placed in the same perilous situation.

By the end of the story, "The Most Dangerous Game," does Rainsford change his mind about hunting?

Certainly, after his experiences on Ship-Trap Island Sanger Rainsford has gained new perspectives about hunting.

• In the exposition of the story while he and Whitney talk in anticipation of their hunting of the jaguar, Whitney remarks that as prey the beasts know the fear of pain and the fear of death, but Rainsford dismisses this observation as "nonsense."
• After he falls overboard and washes up on Ship-Trap Island and is taken to the chateau of Gerneral Zaroff, Rainsford is appalled when his host explains what he means by "more dangerous game."
• While he is involved in this "more dangerous game" as the prey, Rainsford learns what it is to be "a beast at prey" as he hides upon the limb of a tree; thus, he changes his attitude expresses earlier as "nonsense" and knows that those fears Whitney has mentioned are real:

Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror....He lived a year in a moment.

• After leaping into the sea, Rainsford returns to the general's chateau when, as the general himself has reflected before retiring for the night, "his quarry escaped him."

This action of returning to confront Zaroff and his reaction after he kills the general--"He had never slept in a better bed"--indicate that Rainsford has changed. For, having learned how prey feel and having enjoyed the "most dangerous game," of hunting and killing Zaroff, Sanger Rainsford has, indeed, changed his mind about hunting.

Who is the first person Rainsford meets in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

At the beginning of the story, Rainsford accidentally falls off a yacht headed to the Amazon but manages to swim to the nearby Ship-Trap Island. The next day, Rainsford traverses the jungle and spots a palatial chateau located on a high bluff. Rainsford travels to the chateau and knocks on the large door, hoping to meet a friendly resident willing to help him out. Unfortunately, Rainsford is greeted by General Zaroff's intimidating servant, Ivan.

Ivan opens the door and holds a pistol to Rainsford's chest. Rainsford is startled by Ivan's menacing appearance and tries to ease the situation by calmly introducing himself. Rainsford tells Ivan not to be alarmed and explains that he fell off a yacht. Ivan does not respond to Rainsford and simply raises his thumb to the hammer of the revolver. Just before Ivan can pull the trigger or Rainsford has the opportunity to run for his life, General Zaroff descends the marble steps and intervenes.

Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford as the "celebrated hunter" that he is and apologizes for Ivan's harsh greeting. General Zaroff explains to Rainsford that Ivan is both deaf and mute. Zaroff also reveals that Ivan is a fellow Cossack and a "bit of a savage," which foreshadows his own maniacal nature. Rainsford is relieved to meet a seemingly "cultivated" man like General Zaroff and joins him for dinner.

Can you provide a character description of Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford is and American who is both a world famous big game hunter and an author of a book detailing how to hunt snow leopards that are found in Tibet. As a hunter, he has been in "tight" places and faced many dangers. As an author, he has a keen intelligence and an appreciation for elevated conversation. He also enjoys the refined things of life that a renowned reputation and riches can provide a person.

Rainsford begins his unfortunate encounter with Zaroff when he hears shots in the distance and falls off a yacht and into the Caribbean Sea. Though Rainsford is a hunter, he is a moral man with well defined definitions of right and wrong. When he and Zaroff meet and converse, he is shocked at Zaroff's human hunting penchant and believes Zaroff to be a murderer. While Zaroff is hunting Rainsford, Rainsford uses all his prodigious knowledge of hunting and the hunt to outsmart Zaroff until at one point Zaroff outwits him.

While Zaroff plays with Rainsford as with a mouse, Rainsford is actually frightened. But in the end, Rainsford wins by capturing the hunter in his bedroom and slaying him there. We know that Rainsford is a moral man with elevated principles and knowledge of right and wrong, yet when Rainsford sleeps comfortably in Zaroff's bed at the end of the hunt that Rainsford has won, some argue that this may be an indication that Rainsford's experience has made him cross his own line and therefore will replace Zaroff as the hunter of men.

In "The Most Dangerous Game," why was Zaroff glad that it was Rainsford who had come to the island?

Coincidentally, General Zaroff had heard of Rainsford before and was quite familiar with his reputation as a successful hunter.  Upon arriving at his mansion, Rainsford's first meeting with Zaroff shows evidence of this in the way that Zaroff compliments him, saying, "It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home."  He continues this by explaining how he knows who Rainsford is: "I've read your book about hunting snow leopards in Tibet, you see."  He later deems Rainsford a worthy opponent when he informs him that he (Rainsford) will act as his prey in that evening's hunt, saying, "I drink to a foe worthy of me at last."  Zaroff's passion for the sport of hunting is so great that he actually longs for prey that may actually beat him and escape.  He has gotten so good that it has become too easy, and so he is happy to meet Rainsford, knowing that his knowledge of the "great" game of hunting will ensure an exciting and complex hunt that evening.

How is Rainsford portrayed as civilized in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell tells the story of Sanger Rainsford, a hunter who finds himself at the home of General Zaroff, a strange man who hunts humans for sport.

Connell portrays Rainsford as a civilized character for much of the story. One of the reasons he is portrayed as civilized is because he is wealthy. At the start of the story, a description of Rainsford on the yacht shows him in a civilized light: “Rainsford, reclining in a steamer chair, indolently puffed on his favorite brier.” This quote shows that Rainsford is clearly accustomed to a life of wealth and ease, as he can recline on the yacht and lazily smoke his favorite pipe. Furthermore, when Rainsford meets General Zaroff, he expresses disgust at the thought of hunting human beings for sport. When Zaroff reveals the new kind of hunting he has invented, Rainsford states, "I can't believe you are serious, General Zaroff. This is a grisly joke." Though hunting can be characterized as an uncivilized sport, Rainsford believes that hunting animals is a civilized activity in contrast to hunting human beings. He shows this when he says, "Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer."

Overall, Rainsford is civilized because of his wealth and his opposition to Zaroff's inhumane hunting practices.

Does Rainsford's mind change about hunting by the middle of the story "The Most Dangerous Game"?

There is some evidence that Rainsford does change his mind about hunting in "The Most Dangerous Game" near the middle of the story.

In the exposition as Sanger Rainsford and his friend Whitney travel to Rio de Janeiro to pick up guns with which they will hunt jaguars, the two men discuss the dynamics of the hunt. Whitney remarks that the hunt will be no fun for the jaguar, but Rainsford interjects, "Who cares how a jaguar feels?" Still, Whitney speculates that the jaguars understand fear when they become man's prey--"The fear of pain and the fear of death." But Rainsford dismisses this opinion: "Bah! They've no understanding."

After Whitney retires for the night, Rainsford hears gunshots and he tries to see from where it has come by jumping up on the rail. However, he falls from the yacht into the dark waters of the sea on a moonless night. When he surfaces, he tries to get the attention of someone on the yacht, but the ship keeps going. After swimming a great distance, Rainsford finds the shore. On the next day, he discovers a chateau on the island and climbs toward it. Unfortunately for Rainsford, this beautiful place is inhabited by General Zaroff, a sadistic and experienced hunter who finds that he is only excited by hunting humans. To his shock, Rainsford learns that he is to be hunted the next day in this "most dangerous game" of man versus man. For the first time, Rainsford is the prey rather than the predator.

Soon thereafter, he begins to understand some of what his friend Whitney has said about the huntee's experience of fear. One could make the case that his own feelings of fear as he is hunted are strong enough to change his mind about hunting; he realizes how it feels to be the prey. It's important to note, however, that Rainsford never explicitly states that he has changed his mind about hunting.

On the second day as he is hunted, Rainsford is terrified; he has climbed a tree in the hope that the pursuing Zaroff will not find him. But the general, who possesses uncanny powers, has followed his trail in the dark. When he sees the general look up and smile, "Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror."

After he slides down from the tree, Rainsford pulls out his knife and sets to work on a Malay man-catcher, but when Zaroff returns, the general is able to dodge the trap, injuring only his shoulder. Rainsford feels "fear again ripping his heart..." because he knows that the predator Zaroff will return.

Toward the end of the story, Rainsford will explicitly identify himself as "a beast at bay"—suggesting he has recognized the fear he feels in the middle of the story is akin to what the animals he hunts may feel. Though he never says he's changed his mind about the merits of hunting, one could use this evidence to build an argument for the idea that he won't go on to inflict the fear he has felt on other creatures.

What happens if Rainsford wins in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

When Zaroff arranges the conditions of the competition between himself and Rainsford, he offers Rainsford the chance to go free. The condition is that Rainsford must survive the hunt for three full days. Should he manage to do so, Zaroff claims he will have Rainsford taken to the "mainland near a town." He adds that he wants Rainsford not to tell anyone about what transpires on Ship-Trap Island, but, defiant and indignant, Rainsford says he cannot promise to do so.

Zaroff's reaction to this refusal hints that he will not let Rainsford go free if he will not agree to these terms:

"Oh," said the general, "in that case—But why discuss that now?"

Though he paints himself as a gentleman whose word alone can be counted as a bond, Zaroff is still a violent criminal interested in preserving his way of life. Though he confesses he sometimes gets bored even with hunting people, he still enjoys doing what he does. To let Rainsford go would be to jeopardize his lifestyle.

In the end, the only way Rainsford is actually able to win is by killing his opponent. After doing so, Rainsford sleeps in Zaroff's large bed that night, ending the story on a slightly ambiguous note. Rainsford might go to the mainland to share what happened with the authorities, or he might take the general's place as master of the island.

By the end of "The Most Dangerous Game," has Rainsford changed his mind about hunting?Support your answer with evidence from the text.

It does seem that Rainsford has done an about face concerning his previous beliefs and statements concerning murder and the prey's understanding of fear and death. Rainsford had earlier told Whitney that the hunter's prey has "no understanding" of the fear of pain or death. But when Rainsford becomes the huntee of Zaroff, he soon feels all of the emotions that he had so easily dismissed. At the end of the story, when Rainsford surprises Zaroff in his bedroom, Zaroff honorably names Rainsford the winner of the hunt. Despite Zaroff's past acts of murdering his human victims, there is no reason to believe that he will not honor the rules of the game. Instead, Rainsford wants to continue the hunt, and this time he apparently kills the Russian. Whether Rainsford's days on the run has made him envious of switching places with Zaroff, or whether his act is simply one of revenge, Rainsford has taken to murder, and he seems content with the result.

He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.

Although dead tired from his ordeal, the final line seems to show that Rainsford has also enjoyed this final hunt, and one can only wonder what prey he will next choose to stalk.